While the details remain to be seen, it is expected that the Assembly will adopt a version of the bill that is largely free of the provisions that would have rolled back long-standing civil justice reforms and undermined job creation efforts in the state. Political insiders believe that strong objections to provisions from employers, local governments, and others were crucial in convincing legislators that increasing the litigation jackpot for trial attorneys was a political loser with consumers.

Unfortunately, it appears that the proposals that will increase the cost of driving in Wisconsin will remain, at least for now. These include increasing the minimum liability limits and allowing the “stacking” of insurance coverages.

The Assembly Democrats who supported the removal of the job-killing liability expansions are to be commended. NAMIC's attention now will be focused on convincing the Senate to remove the ill-considered proposals that increase the cost of driving.